Death of a woman on the first day of Burning Man 2024 is being investigated

GERLACH, Nevada (TND) — The death of a woman on the first day of the 2024 Burning Man Festival in the Black Rock Desert in the state of Nevada is under investigation.

Festival officials said in a press release that emergency responders responded to a report of an unresponsive person at 11:29 a.m. on Sunday.

“Immediate life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful,” officials said.

The Pershing County Sheriff's Office said it was notified of the possible death of a participant at around 11:37 a.m.

“Deputies responded to the address provided and confirmed the death of a participant,” officials said.

The participant's name will not be released until next of kin can be notified. The cause and manner of death are under investigation pending autopsy results.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends who have suffered this loss,” the Burning Man Project said.

Support is available to festival attendees, including peer support services at the Black Rock Rangers headquarters and outposts, the event said.

“The safety and well-being of our employees and the community is our top priority,” organizers said. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities in the investigation of this incident. The Pershing County Sheriff's Office investigates all deaths that occur within its jurisdiction.”

A 32-year-old festival-goer died in 2023 after being found unconscious on the festival grounds.

Burning Man is an annual gathering that attracts nearly 80,000 artists, influencers, and other representatives of the cultural elite for a mix of wilderness camping, communal expression, and avant-garde performances.